ALLEN PARK >> Brandon Pettigrew could have gone elsewhere as a free agent, but he chose to return to Detroit.

Sounds like the veteran Lions’ tight end is happy with the decision so far.

Pettigrew, like the other veterans, has to adjust to a new offense under a new coaching staff.

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“It’s new in a great way, I loved everybody who was here before and I love these guys,’’ Pettigrew said. “These guys are very disciplined guys and great leaders, you tend to follow that. You guys are around all the time, you see us following that. Coach (Jim) Caldwell is a great guy, a disciplinary guy, we’re following that and I think it will help us a lot.’’

The role of tight end will be key in the new offense, just like it was with the New Orleans Saints where offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi spent the last seven seasons.

“It’s definitely a little bit different — we’re moving around a lot more, splitting out a little bit more, just doing a lot of different things,’’ Pettigrew said. “The role is different for everybody.’’

Pettigrew is the leader among the tight ends including first-round pick Eric Ebron and Joe Fauria in his second year.

“I think it’s very important because of the fact that they (Ebron and Fauria) look up to him. He’s able to provide some information and direction,’’ Caldwell said. “He challenges them. He does a great job, I think, in that role. He has experience and knowledge. Often times, even though coaches will tell him, and coach (Ron) Prince does a great job in terms of coaching them, but sometimes when they hear it from one of their peers, it carries even a little bit more weight.’’

Pettigrew said Ebron is a quick learner.

“He’s a great route runner, a savvy young player, he’s going to make some big plays no doubt about that,’’ Pettigrew said. “Everybody sees that out there. He comes in, fits right in with the veteran guys,he’s going to be a good fit for us.’’

Pettigrew has also seen the maturation of Fauria this offseason.

“He’s developed all around, he’s a good blocker, people don’t think he can block,’’ Pettigrew said. “His fundamentals, we work this stuff together all day I see him, he can block, he can split out , he can catch the ball, he can high point the ball. Our (tight ends) room is pretty tough.’’

Two key contract issues

Eric Ebron is the only rookie who has not signed a contract. It’s expected that will get done in time for training camp.

Ndamukong Suh’s agents have been in talks with the Lions for an extension. He’s signed through 2014. Last year Matthew Stafford’s extension got done in July, a few weeks before camp.

Caldwell can’t worry about either one.

“You’re not the first guy that’s gone through a contract negotiation and it won’t be the last. I think those things, Martin (Mayhew) and Tom (Lewand) and those guys and ownership will do a tremendous job,’’ Caldwell said. “What I have to do is stay focused on what’s happening out there on the field and get our guys ready to play.”

Kicker competition

One of the key position battles at training camp will be between kickers Giorgio Tavecchio and seventh-round pick Nate Freese.

“Both guys are thumping it pretty good,’’ Caldwell said. “Giorgio’s doing a nice job and Nate’s doing a nice job as well, so I think it will be a good, healthy competition.”

Tavecchio was at the Green Bay Packers training camp last summer and gave kicker Mason Crosby a tough fight.

A walk down the aisle

Jim Caldwell has big plans for Father’s Day on Sunday. He will walk his daughter Natalie down the aisle at her wedding in North Carolina.

She is his only daughter and the youngest of his four children.

“I gave them an unlimited budget and they went over that,’’ Caldwell said with a smile.